Auchincloss on How American Jobs Plan Helps the SouthCoast [OPINION]

Despite just passing the $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan, the Biden Administration and Democrats in Congress have moved swiftly to their next major legislative goal: rebuilding and reforming America's crumbling infrastructure.

With a price tag of over $2 trillion, the American Jobs Plan divides its spending into four critical areas of need: transportation and infrastructure ($621 billion); quality of life at home ($650 billion); caregivers for the elderly and disabled ($400 billion); and research and development and manufacturing ($590 billion).

Given its comprehensiveness, it's safe to say that the American Jobs Plan is the most sweeping and ambitious transportation and infrastructure reform proposal since President Eisenhower signed into law the Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1956 that established the Interstate Highway System.

That's why this legislation is right in Congressman Jake Auchincloss's wheelhouse. Rep. Auchincloss is an expert in transportation and infrastructure from his work in both the public and private sector, and in his inaugural campaign for the MA-4 seat, he ran on an "Eisenhower Plan for the 21st Century," recognizing the dire need for these reforms in the Commonwealth and the county.

Now, as a member of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, Rep. Auchincloss is positioned to be a key member in making the bold and historic proposals of the American Jobs Plan a reality.

Building on previous conversations we've had on-air, as well conversations I've had with other reform experts and advocates such as Chris Dempsey from Transportation for MA, I was joined on the program once again by Rep. Auchincloss to look at the forest and the trees of this bold legislation.

We discussed what is in the bill and why every component of it is of critical importance. He also talked about his recent trip around his district and how the American Jobs Plan will be a boon to the SouthCoast's port and shoreline economy. You can listen to the full conversation here.

Marcus Ferro is the host of The Marcus Ferro Show airing Saturdays on 1420 WBSM from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Contact him at marcusferrolaw@gmail.com. The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of the author.